Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: A compliance mechanism (10) is disclosed for maintaining a fluid applicator (47) in contact with the surface of object (71) for fluid application. The compliance mechanism includes an L-shaped bracket (15) having a first leg (17) and a second leg (19), each leg having a tab. A first dual acting fluid operated cylinder (32) is slidably positioned on the first leg (17) of the L-shaped bracket (15). First cylinder (32) has a piston rod that advances during fluid actuation of the first cylinder. A second dual acting fluid operated cylinder (35) is slidably positioned on the second leg (19) of the L-shaped bracket (15). The second cylinder (35) has piston rod that advances during fluid actuation of the second cylinder (35). A fluid applicator (47) is on first cylinder (32) for applying fluid to object (71). The first cylinder (32) allows fluid applicator (47) to move relative to the object in a second direction whereby fluid applicator (47) is maintained in contact with object (71) during fluid application.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: An applicator tip (10) for applying fluid to the surface of an object is disclosed. The applicator tip (10) has a base (13) formed of thermoplastic material having a first surface and a second surface. At least one aperture (25) extends through the base. A fluid supply port (29) is operatively connected to the second surface of the base and is in communication with at least one aperture in the base. A fluid application material (35) is positioned on the first surface of the base. The fluid application material is positioned to receive fluid that passes through the aperture from the fluid supply port. The fluid application material is secured to the first surface of the base by a portion of the base that is caused to be molten and fuses to the fluid application material.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: A reusable applicator tip for applying a uniform band of liquid material, such as an adhesive compound, along a selected portion of the peripheral margin of sheet material. The apparatus includes a pad block designed for receiving and transmitting liquid material onto a transfer pad for application onto the sheet material. The liquid flows through internal channels in the pad block and onto an exposed portion of the transfer pad for application onto the sheet material. The transfer pad is removed and replaced at the end of its useful life permitting continued use of the pad block. The apparatus also includes a removable edge guide which permits the selective replacement of the edge guide for varying sheets of material. Excessively worn edge guides may also be replaced without disposing of the entire pad block.

Abstract: A system for applying a uniform band of liquid primer material to the marginal edge surfaces of glazing units upon which a plastic frame or gasket member is to be molded in place. A family of interchangeable applicator tips is provided for use with a dispensing device adapted to provide an on-demand supply of primer material to the tip in use. The different applicator tips of the family have configurations particularly adapted to applying bands of primer material along selected peripheral margins of a sheet member. Each is of a composite construction including a relatively rigid base member covered by a soft absorbent body for contacting and transferring to the sheet surface the layer of primer material. The tips are readily attachable to and removable from the primer material dispensing device.

Abstract: A power-assisted valve is provided which is particularly effective for systems handling viscous materials, such as certain metering systems. The check valve operates effectively even with highly-filled viscous resins used in such systems. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve ball which can be urged toward the valve seat to a closed position by a fluid-powered cylinder and piston. The piston rod is separate from the valve ball so that the ball can rotate relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A power-assisted valve is provided which is particularly effective for systems handling viscous materials, such as certain metering systems. The check valve operates effectively even with highly-filled viscous resins used in such systems. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve ball which can be urged toward the valve seat to a closed position by a fluid-powered cylinder and piston. The piston rod is separate from the valve ball so that the ball can rotate relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fabricating a solar collector panel including providing a thermal conductive, heat absorbing plate having a plurality of grooves therein, feeding discrete lengths of solder strips having transverse curvatures into said grooves, respectively, placing a tube assembly having a plurality of conduits into said grooves of said plate is superimposed relation on said solder strips, holding said loose assembly together, and heating the loose assembly to melt the solder and effect a thermal conductive bond between said tube assembly and said plate.

Abstract: A flexible solar energy collector of unitary, one-piece, self-supporting construction provided with substantially true-round manifolds and secondary manifolds interposed between the primary manifolds and a multiplicity of fluid flow passages extending transversely therebetween. The opposite end portions of the primary manifolds are provided with inserts for reinforcing the same. Means are provided for coupling adjacent collectors together to form an array of such collectors in a solar heat collecting system.

Abstract: Apparatus for metering material and transferring it from one location is provided. The new metering apparatus has several advantages over that disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,799. The apparatus includes a pair of cylinders with rams which are reciprocated in opposite directions by gear racks connected thereto and driven by a common pinion. A plurality of pairs of the cylinders and rams can be mounted on a common frame or base to meter a number of different materials. Also, the rams, with or without the cylinders, can be readily replaced with components of different diameters to provide different metered quantities of materials. In addition, mechanism are provided for changing the stroke lengths of one or more pair of rams when two or more pairs are employed.

Abstract: A system including at least a pair of mounting spars supported in a spaced-apart parallel relationship by modular sections constructed of standardized hardware for mounting one or more solar collector panels in predetermined positions on stationary surfaces. The system includes provisions for accommodating expansion and contraction of the collector panels and insulating the manifold pipes employed in a solar installation for preventing radiation heat losses.

Abstract: A resilient sealing member for use about the marginal edge of a glazing panel mounted in a solar energy collector. The sealing member is cup-shaped for receiving the marginal edge portion of the panel and is formed with a sealing lip bearing against the outboard surface of the glazing panel to provide a fluid tight, pressure seal adjacent the entire periphery thereof. The sealing member is advantageously used in combination with a retainer assembly having a retainer cap that exerts pressure on the sealing member to urge the lip into uniform, pressure sealing contact with such outboard surface.

Abstract: A solar energy collector including an enclosure provided with a glazing closure or panel and a detachable retainer assembly securing the glazing panel in place. The retainer assembly includes a retainer cap mechanically interlocked with internal protrusions formed on the enclosure walls and a spring clip associated with the retainer cap for urging the same in such interlocked relation with the enclosure wall protrusions.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fabricating a solar collector panel including providing a thermal conductive, heat absorbing plate having a plurality of grooves therein, feeding discrete lengths of solder strips having transverse curvatures into said grooves, respectively, placing a tube assembly having a plurality of conduits into said grooves of said plate in superimposed relation on said solder strips, holding said loose assembly together, and heating the loose assembly to melt the solder and effect a thermal conductive bond between said tube assembly and said plate.

Abstract: A solar energy collector formed of a black plastic material in a rigid, unitary, one-piece self-supporting construction. The collector is formed with inlet and outlet manifolds and a multiplicity of fluid flow passages extending therebetween. Each passage is provided with at least one flow restriction to provide a uniform distribution of flow through all passages. A series of such collectors are connected to form an array incorporated in a multipurpose, collapsible structure for heating swimming pool water.